Choosing a New Heating System The Smart Way

Contrary to what most people think, south Louisiana can get pretty cold in the depths of winter – and ice & snow have been known to occur (though not nearly to the likelihood or degree that it does in, say, Minnesota!)

This time of year is perfect for looking into a new heating system, as you can check out your options & get it installed before you wake up shivering later in the year!

Even if you believe you can get by in a cold snap with a shoddy heater, maybe by using extra blankets & a fireplace, there are aspects of your home life that you can’t immediately see be negatively affected by the cold.

The Importance of a Quality Heater

For starters, crawlspaces & the underside of a raised home will become much colder than the rest during winter as heat rises; there are few things more miserable than a freezing cold floor!

Also, since much of your home’s water and piping systems begin or go through those two areas of the home, extreme cold puts your entire home at risk.

But perhaps more importantly, you’re putting your health at risk by suffering through insufficient heating.

Heating systems are important in controlling mold in the home, which contributes to illnesses as well as allergies. Also, the colder you are in the winter, the weaker your immune system and thus more likely you or a loved one will get sick.

Even if the heater actually does work, we’ve all known people who are hesitant to turn it on because winter utility bills sometimes rival summertime costs with an old, inefficient system running.

When it’s time to upgrade your heating system, here are some tips on making your new investment as cost-efficient as possible.

Keeping Costs Down

Getting a new heating system for your home is one of the most expensive HVAC endeavors you’ll encounter throughout the life of the home. Yet, interestingly, only about a third of the cost of installing your new heating system is the system itself.

Equally significant are the installation of the new heater system, and the warranty you’ll need to ensure your investment is installed correctly and that you’re protected in case something does go wrong.

Since the installation process is so crucial, the most important factor when looking for a new heating unit is really that it will last as long as possible.

Heating systems that may initially be less expensive but do not last as long, or are prone to breaking, will end up costing you more in the long run as repair (& replacement!) costs will just pile up over time.

As you consider the longevity of the unit, selecting an energy-efficient system is paramount. There are federal & state guidelines mandating a certain efficiency threshold, but the bare minimum is rarely a wise choice.

If you spend a little more money at the outset getting a more efficient heater that will cost less with each use, you’ll likely end up making up that extra cost over just three or four (or fewer!) winters.

The right system for your home is the one that heats your space for least amount of energy used, with the longest warranty & highest marks for reliability.

Choose the Best Installer

Now that you have more of an understanding of how to select your new heating system, you will realize that getting a qualified – and efficient – installer is the best way to ensure your new investment pays for itself.

We are your South Louisiana HVAC experts and will make sure your system installation goes as smoothly as possible. When you’re ready to find out more about the right system for your home and get a quote for installation, check out our contact page or call us at (985) 892-7071. We look forward to helping you through this important home purchase!